Work at the polls on election day!

Election Judges are an integral part of the electoral process. They are responsible for administering the voting procedures at every polling place within the county. It would be impossible to conduct an election without them. They are the ONLY contacts between the Election Office and the general public during voting hours.

​

Dorchester County Board of Elections is continually looking for citizens who wish to serve as election judges during the Primary and General Elections. Election Judges serve on Election Day, and/or during Early Voting, from approximately 5:30 a.m. until all duties are completed after the close of the polling place at 8:00 p.m. 

​

Duties include making sure that qualified registered voters can vote in a trouble-free, bipartisan environment. Election Judges must possess good judgment, be reliable, and courteous. In addition, and most importantly, they MUST be able to accurately follow procedures.

​

What training is required?

Mandatory 3 hour training is required for Election Judges.

​

What qualifications are needed?

• You must be a registered voter in Maryland

• You must be at least 16 years or older

• You must be able to read, write, and speak English

• You must be able to work a 15-hour day

• You must be able to assist in lifting 25 lbs. 

• You may NOT hold or be a candidate for any elective public or political party office or any office created under the Constitution or Laws of the State and may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as the treasurer for a campaign finance entity

​

What are my duties on Election Day?

• You must arrive at the polling place at approximately 5:30 a.m. and assist with the opening of the polling place. You may be asked to help set up the night before.

• Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.  If voters are in line prior to closing, they will be allowed to vote.

• You must be able to assist with tasks as directed by the Chief Judges and remain at your polling place until they dismiss you.

​

Where will I be working?

Whenever possible, Election Judges are assigned to their "home" polling place. If there are no vacancies at your home polling place, you may be assigned to a nearby precinct. You must have reliable transportation and be prepared to work at your polling place all day. Election Judges are not permitted to leave the polling place, whatsoever; please plan accordingly.

​

What will I get paid and when?

Election Judges are paid per Election:

​

 Chief            $300.00

 Check-In     $250.00

 Floor            $250.00

 Provisional  $250.00

 Scanner      $250.00

 Alternate*    $50.00

Training        $50.00 - $75.00 (depends on assignment)

​

Election Judges can normally expect to receive their pay 4 to 6 weeks after the Election.

​

*An Alternate Judge is basically on "stand by", or "on call", up until, and including, Election Day.

If you are an alternate judge assigned to a polling place and you work Election Day, you get paid as that type of Judge (i.e. if you are assigned as a Scanner Judge, you get paid $250.00 plus training).

​

How do I apply?

Interested applicants should fill out our Judge Application Webform online or print a copy and mail it in.

​

Mail should be sent to: 

P.O. Box 414

Cambridge, MD 21613

​

If you have any other questions or would like more information, please contact Jessica Noranbrock at 410-228-2560 or email jessica.noranbrock@maryland.gov.

​